Last week, we kicked off this year's Holiday Gift Guides with fun, inexpensive gift ideas.  Now it's time to kick things up a notch…

For the Host or Hostess

Serving pieces are always a great gift, no matter what the occasion. Every now and then though I come across a piece that I feel is extraordinary.  This Copper Finished Coffee Urn ($199) is sure to be the conversation piece at any soiree and just looks as if it will make the coffee taste better.  It holds up to 25 cups of coffee. - picked by Heather Jones

For the Dessert Lover

On last year's gift guide we talked about custom cereal. This year we're doing one better with custom ice cream, gelato, and sorbetto.  For $49.99 per ½ gallon you can go to the ecreamery website and create a custom design with some favorite flavors. The best part? You even get to name your custom flavor!  I think "Mom needs a day off" has a nice ring to it. - picked by Heather Jones  

For the Gamer

It seems video game designers have discovered that some gamers are also foodies. To answer that call there are a whole slew of video games out there for the foodie who likes a little virtual escape every now and then.

For the Nintendo Wii ($199) , the Food Network has Cook or Be Cooked ($39.99).  Cut, slice, and dice your way through over 30 recipes from the Food Network kitchens with Food Network experts Mory Thomas and Susie Fogelson watching you every step of the way.  I had the opportunity to try out the game and I was quite impressed with the graphics and attention to detail, this game wouldn't allow you to get away with any shortcuts or sloppy cooking. 

First designed for the Nintendo DS system ($129), and now available for the Wii as well,  Cooking Mama (starting at $19.99) was the precursor to Cooked or Be Cooked. Cooking Mama has a similar concept as the Food Network Game, rack up the points by preparing dishes accurately and in a timely fashion. Although, this game has a more of a "cartoon" look to it that turned me off a bit.  Plus, you don't have the benefit of Food Network execs coaching you along the way.  Still, the game is still lots of fun and quite addictive.  

Last but certainly not least, culinary renaissance man Jamie Oliver has also created a game for the Nintendo DS simply called What's Cooking ($19.99).  His game features a whole cookbook full of recipes that you have the option of preparing in ten different virtual kitchens. The concept is the same as the previous two games, but one thing I like about this one is that you can create your own original dishes and save them. What will they think of next? - picked by Heather Jones

For the Shutterbug

Do you know someone who wants to be the next YouTube sensation, The Next Food Network Star or is the Martin Scorsese of the family? If so, then this gift is perfect.  Pure Digital has produced the super easy to use Flip video cameras (starting at $149).  Take anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes of footage and upload it to your computer to edit and store. An HD version is available and the quality of the sound and picture is excellent (video camcorders have certainly come a long way).  I happen to own one of these and needless to say my girls have grown tired of me chasing after them with the camera in my hand - it's that much fun. - picked by Heather Jones
 
For the Wine & Spirit Lover

Every wine lover should own a Vinturi Red Wine Aerator. Pouring wine through this funnel-like contraption instantly aerates it, providing all the mellow benefits usually accomplished only by decanting for an hour or longer. (The wine also makes a conversation-provoking slurping sound as it travels through the channels of the funnel. I admit a perverse fascination with this noise.) The Vinturi costs around $40, and is also available at many housewares stores and wine shops. To round out your gift, purchase a couple of nice wine glasses or a good corkscrew (I like the original Screwpull). If there is a klutz on your gift list, include a reliable stain remover, like Wine Away) - picked by Peggy Fallon

For the Jewelry Lover

I have been a fan of the charm bracelet ever since I was gifted that iconic Tiffany charm bracelet nearly 15 years ago. Rembrandt Charms has the largest assortment of charms in the country; any charm you can think of they have it.  You can go online and choose from the many pre-made charm bracelets or customize your own to give a personalized charm bracelet that is a cut above the rest.   I created this custom design ($204) with a mixer, chef hat, wine bottle, colander, spatula and cookbook that is sure to delight the foodie in your life. - picked by Heather Jones

For the Kitchen

I know people that have more than one Christmas tree in their house.  But, I admit that for a long time I didn't get it; no matter how lovely they looked why would you need two? Then again, I never had a house large enough that a second tree would even seem remotely appropriate. This year, however, I am contemplating putting a small second tree in my kitchen. A holiday centerpiece of sorts if you will.  At some point, I realized what an awesome gift idea it would be to give someone a small, fully decorated, food themed second tree.  A small 1 or 2 ft tree brimming with sparkly food-centric ornaments is sure to bring a smile to your favorite foodies face.  I have given ornaments for gifts over the years and in the past some of the "food" themed ones have been pretty cheesy, to say the least, but my how things have changed...   Crate & Barrel has a cute silver tea kettle and a set of cocktail themed ornaments that are a must have. Other neat food themed ornaments can be found at Sur La Table, Christmas Mouse, Gumps, and Ornaments 2 Remember which has a glass seed packet ornament perfect on its own for that Foodie/Gardener in your life.

For kitchen appliances, I'd vote a handheld blender almost more important than a food processor. It's the easiest way to whirl soups smooth, blend smoothies, and even mash potatoes. The Cuisinart Smart Stick ($49.95) also has a whisk and chopper attachment.  A cordless rechargeable version is available for ($79.95). - picked by Rosemary Mark

For the Foodie's Foodie

Let's face it, during the holidays the last thing we need is another edible gift (though I'd never turn one down). But staring at several boxes of cookies can seem daunting to those of us trying to watch what we eat. Thank goodness for current fragrance trends that incorporate spices and cooking ingredients into colognes, perfumes, and lotions. Yes, some smell like an overzealous baker's worst mistake, but many boutique and high-end fragrance lines know how to seduce us (and hopefully) others. Jo Malone's line is synonymous with delicious smelling colognes and bath and body fragrances. Give one bottle away and keep the other when you're too tired to cook, but still want to entice that special someone.  - picked by Sophia Markoulakis

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